Chapter 16: Guilt lightens the Pressure
The morning air was crisp as we ventured beyond the protective boundaries of the town. The path ahead twisted through dense forests and open fields, each step taking us further from the safety of the tavern. The four of us walked in a loose formation, alert to the sounds of nature and the occasional distant rustle that hinted at unseen dangers.
Eamon raised no qualms regarding our decision after we had consulted him. Soon, we will have to split into two groups.
Vernon led the way, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ah, the great outdoors!" he exclaimed, stretching his arms wide. "Where the wind whispers secrets and the trees stand as silent sentinels. Truly, nature's theater is unparalleled."
Levi, ever pragmatic, walked beside him, his eyes scanning the path ahead. "Focus, Vernon. We need to remain vigilant. The Cult's spies could be anywhere."
Vernon waved a hand dismissively but with a grin. "Worry not, my dear Levi. I am ever watchful. Besides, what good is a journey if we can't enjoy its beauty?" He glanced back at me, his expression turning playful. "Wouldn't you agree, my enchanting friend?"
I chuckled softly. "I suppose a bit of enjoyment won't hurt, as long as we stay alert."
Eamon, who had been silently observing our surroundings, spoke up in his usual enigmatic tone. "Beauty and danger often walk hand in hand. The shadows may hide both."
Vernon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Always so cryptic, Eamon. You add a certain mystique to our little band."
Eamon merely nodded, his gaze distant. "Clarity comes when needed, not before."
As we continued our trek, the conversation shifted to our mission. Levi's voice was steady and calm. "The Crystal Caves are known for their treacherous paths. We must tread carefully."
Vernon nodded, his tone turning serious. "Indeed. And the Enchanters' Tower is no less perilous. Its guardians will not take kindly to intruders. We will need all our wits about us."
Eamon's voice cut through the conversation, straightforward and measured. "We have the skills and the knowledge. We will succeed."
I felt a wave of reassurance wash over me. Despite their vastly different personalities, each of my companions brought something invaluable to our group. Vernon's wisdom and flair, Levi's calm precision, and Eamon's mysterious insight—all were crucial to our success.
"Stay close," I advised, my voice firm. "We need to support each other if we're going to get through this."
Vernon placed a hand over his heart dramatically. "My dear, we are as one. Together, we are an unstoppable force, destined to write our names in the annals of history."
Levi couldn't suppress a small smile. "Let's make sure we live to tell the tale first."
Eamon's eyes met mine, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "The tale is ours to shape. Let’s write it well."
Vernon skipped ahead of us, humming cheerfully while looking around. Throughout our walk over the trail and until it brought us back to the muddy ground, Vernon kept pointing at every creature his eyes would catch using his artifact.
When we reached a clearing, he stopped abruptly, his eyes lighting up. "Ah, perfect," he said, crouching down. He gently picked up a small, vibrantly colored frog and turned to me with a mischievous grin.
"See this little guy?" he said, holding the frog up for me to see. "They say if you kiss a frog, it might turn into a prince. But I think, with you around, it’s the frog who’d be the lucky one."
I could not help but laugh at his audacity. "You’re incorrigible," I replied, shaking my head.
"But charming, right?" he added with a wink, setting the frog back on the ground and letting it hop away.
He continued to lead the way, his eyes always scanning for more creatures to turn into playful metaphors, each one a testament to his endless creativity and charm. It was hard to stay mad at him for long; his antics always managed to bring a smile to my face.
I turned to my side and saw a hint of disgust on Levi's face.